Wake shaping device and system

ABSTRACT

Boats can be adapted to generate a wake that is well-suited for the sport of wake surfing. For example, boats can include an aft platform with a contoured underside that contacts water to generate such a wake for wake surfing. In some embodiments, the contoured underside of the platform includes dual opposing wake-shaping surfaces that shape the water flowing aft from the boat hull to create a wake shape that is well-suited for wake surfing. The aft platforms can be integrally manufactured as an extension to the hull or deck of a new boat, or manufactured separately and subsequently affixed to a previously manufactured boat.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation Application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/818,069, filed Aug. 4, 2015, which claims thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/118,237, filed Feb.19, 2015. The disclosures of the prior applications are considered partof (and are incorporated by reference in) the disclosure of thisapplication.

BACKGROUND

This document relates to devices and systems for boating. For example,this document relates to boats and boat platforms that facilitate thegeneration of a wake that is suitable for wake surfing.

Wake surfing is a watersport in which a person surfs on a powerboat'swake without being directly pulled by the boat. In most cases, the wakesurfer initially gets into the surfing position relative to the boat'swake by being pulled by a towrope. When the wake surfer is in acomfortable surfing position, the surfer can drop the rope, and ride theboat's wake in a fashion reminiscent of ocean surfing.

SUMMARY

Some boats, as described herein, can be adapted to generate a wake thatis well-suited for the sport of wake surfing. For example, boats caninclude an aft platform with a contoured underside that contacts waterto generate such a wake for wake surfing. In some embodiments, thecontoured underside of the platform includes dual opposing wake-shapingsurfaces that shape the water flowing aft from the boat hull to create awake shape that is well-suited for wake surfing. In someimplementations, the aft platforms are integrally manufactured as anextension to the hull or deck of a new boat. In some implementations,the aft platforms are manufactured individually, and subsequentlyaffixed to a previously manufactured boat.

In one implementation, a boat platform provided herein includes a watercontacting surface having a concave shape between a port side and astarboard side of the boat platform, and a boat engaging side that isconfigured for connection to an aft portion of a boat.

Such a boat platform may optionally include one or more of the followingfeatures. The water contacting surface may comprise a starboard-sidewake-shaping surface and a port-side wake-shaping surface. Thestarboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-side wake-shapingsurface may collectively define the concave shape. In some embodiments,the starboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-side wake-shapingsurface are generally symmetric in relation to each other about avertical plane that bisects the boat platform. Optionally, thestarboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-side wake-shapingsurface may each comprise generally planar surfaces. In particularembodiments, the starboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-sidewake-shaping surface each comprise generally non-planar contouredsurfaces.

In various embodiments of the boat platform, at least a portion of thewater contacting surface slopes downward in a direction from the boatengaging side to an opposite side of the boat platform. The watercontacting surface may comprise a starboard-side wake-shaping surfaceand a port-side wake-shaping surface. In some embodiments, each of thestarboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-side wake-shapingsurface may define the downward slope of the water contacting surface.Optionally, a profile of the concave shape or a rate of the downwardslope of at least a portion of the water contacting surface may beselectively adjustable. The boat platform may be configured to be boltedonto the aft portion of a boat or integrated into a hull and/or deck ofthe boat. In some embodiments, the boat platform is configured to bemolded onto the aft portion of a boat.

In another implementation, a boat adapted to facilitate wakesurfingbehind the boat includes a hull and a boat platform extending from anaft portion of the hull. The boat platform includes a water contactingsurface. At least a portion the water contacting surface has a concaveshape between a port side and a starboard side of the boat platform.

Such a boat adapted to facilitate wakesurfing may optionally include oneor more of the following features. The boat platform may be integrallyformed with the hull. In some embodiments, the boat includes a deckattached to the hull, and the boat platform is integrally formed withthe deck. Optionally, the boat platform may be formed separately fromthe hull and the deck and subsequently affixed to the aft portion of theboat. In particular embodiments, at least a portion of the watercontacting surface slopes downward in a direction from the aft portionof the hull to an opposite side of the boat platform.

In another implementation, a method of constructing a wakesurfing boatplatform configured for attachment to a boat is provided herein. Themethod includes forming a water contacting surface having a concaveshape between a port side and a starboard side of the boat platform, andforming a boat engaging side that is configured for attachment to an aftportion of the boat.

Such a method of constructing a wakesurfing boat platform configured forattachment to a boat may optionally include one or more of the followingfeatures. The water contacting surface may slope downward in a directionfrom the boat engaging side to an opposite side of the boat platform.The method may also include forming a top deck portion configured forsupporting a human. In some embodiments, the boat platform is configuredto be bolted onto an aft portion of the boat. In various embodiments,the boat platform comprises fiberglass.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this documentcan be implemented to realize one or more of the following advantages.First, in some implementations the aft boat platforms described hereincan be advantageously used to create a boat wake shape that iswell-suited for wake surfing.

Second, some implementations of the boat platforms can be advantageouslyused in conjunction with virtually any type of sport boat, such as jetboats, sterndrive boats, inboard boats, and outboard boats to create awake shape that enhances the wake surfing experience relative to boatsthat do not include the disclosed boat platforms.

Third, in some implementations the boat platforms described herein canbe integrally formed with a boat during the manufacturing process of theboat. Alternatively, in some implementations the boat platformsdescribed herein can be individually made and advantageously attached toan aft portion of a previously existing boat. Hence, a boat owner may beable to purchase one of the boat platforms described herein, and add itonto the previously existing boat to adapt the boat for enhanced wakesurfing use.

Fourth, the boat platforms described herein shape the wake essentiallyby dragging the underside of the platform in the water when the boat isnot on plane (as used herein, the term “on plane” refers to awatercraft's mode of operation in which its weight is predominantlysupported by hydrodynamic lift, rather than hydrostatic lift orbuoyancy). When the boat is sped up, such that the boat is on plane, theboat platform advantageously no longer drags in the water. Hence, theboat's top speed and fuel economy are not detrimentally affected by thepresence of the boat platforms described herein when operated at speedshigher than those typically used for wake surfing.

Fifth, in some implementations the boat platforms described herein canbe used in conjunction with a boat's ballast system. Advantageously, theballast system can be used to further enhance the wake shapingcharacteristics of the boat platform.

Sixth, in some implementations the boat platforms described herein canincrease the overall deck space of a sport boat to which the boatplatform is attached. Increasing the deck space may lead to greater userenjoyment and enhanced safety of the boat.

Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those describedherein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods andmaterials are described herein. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the presentspecification, including definitions, will control. In addition, thematerials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intendedto be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description herein. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a wake surfer shown wake surfing behinda boat that includes an aft wake surfing platform in accordance withsome embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of an example sport boat with a ballast system.

FIG. 3 is an aft end view of an example sport boat that includes a wakesurfing platform in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of the boat of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a partial bottom view of the boat of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective underside view of the boat of FIG. 3.The boat is shown without a propulsion system.

FIG. 7 is a partial perspective top view of the boat of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of the boat of FIG. 6.

FIGS. 9-13 are a series of transverse cross-sectional views of the wakesurfing platform of the boat of FIG. 8.

Like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document provides devices and systems for boating. For example,this document provides boats and boat wake surfing platforms thatgenerate a wake that is suitable for wake surfing.

Referring to FIG. 1, a wake surfer 10 can wake surf behind a boat 100that includes an example wake surfing platform 120. The wake surfer 100uses a surfboard 20 on a wake 50 that is generated by the boat 100. Thewake surfing platform 120 (which may also be referred to herein as an“aerial surf platform” or simply as a “boat platform”) extends from anaft portion 110 of the boat 100 and makes contact with the water 40 whenthe boat 100 is not on plane.

To attain the depicted wake surfing arrangement, typically the boat 100initially pulls the wake surfer 10 using a tow rope, and accelerates ata moderate pace until a target speed is reached. The target speed isusually somewhere between 9 to 14 miles per hour, but the exact speed isusually determined (at least in part) by the desired shape, pitch, andlength of the wake 50. Once the target speed is reached, the surfer 10modulates the fore and aft pressure exerted on the surfboard 20 to findthe “sweet spot” in the wake 50 where the rope goes slack and is nolonger needed. At that juncture, the wake surfer 10 can toss the ropeaside (or into the boat 100) and surf on the wake 50 as shown.

As described further below, the wake surfing platform 120 can at leastpartially shape the wake 50 generated by the boat 100 such that the wake50 well-suited for wake surfing. In some implementations, the wakesurfing platform 120 shapes water 40 emerging from the propulsion pump(or another type of propulsion device) of the boat 100 into a desiredshape.

The wake surfing platform 120 can be attached to or formed on a bottomof an aft deck and/or a rear end of a hull of the boat 100. In someimplementations, the wake surfing platform 120 is formed and configuredto be subsequently affixed to a previously manufactured boat 100. Insome implementations, the wake surfing platform 120 is formed during themanufacturing of the boat 100 as an integral portion of the boat 100.

As described further below, the shape of the underside water contactingsurface of the wake surfing platform 120 can be curved or concaved, andends of the curved wake surfing platform 120 can protrude below thebottom of the aft deck of the boat 100. In some implementations, thewake surfing platform 120 can be made of fiberglass or anotherappropriate material such as, but not limited to, aluminum, stainlesssteel, graphite, and the like, and combinations thereof.

Referring to FIG. 2, in some implementations the boat 100 can include aballast system that includes one or more tanks 130, 140 s, and 140 p.Such a ballast system can be used to increase the weight of the boat100, thereby facilitating the generation of a larger wake by the boat100. In addition, in some implementations of the depicted ballastsystem, a particular side of the boat 100 (starboard or port) can beselectively weighted more heavily than the other side of the boat 100.That technique can be used to generate a larger and/or more desirablyshaped wake (e.g., on the heavier side of the boat 100).

The tanks 130, 140 s, and 140 p can be configured to hold a substance,such as a liquid. The amount of liquid (or another substance) that isplaced into one or more of the tanks 130, 140 s, and 140 p can adjustthe weight distribution of the boat 100. In some implementations, two ormore tanks 140 s and 140 p are located under aft seats (or otherwise inan aft portion of the boat 100), and an additional tank 130 (or multipletanks) can be located closer to the bow than the aft seat tanks 140 sand 140 p.

In some implementations, the tanks 130, 140 s, and 140 p can be plumbedwith one or more reversible pumps to facilitate filling and emptying ofthe tanks 130, 140 s, and 140 p using the pumps to draw water from thewater in which the boat is placed. Example total loaded weights of thetanks 130, 140 s, and 140 p can be 250 pounds, 550 pounds, and 550pounds respectively. The total loaded weight of each tank 130, 140 s,and 140 p can vary based on its size. In some implementations, fillingthe tanks 130, 140 s, and 140 p with water (or another substance) canenhance the creation and/or shape of a surf wake behind the boat 100.The weights provided above are for example purposes only, and otherweights can be used (e.g., by using larger or smaller tanks).

Referring to FIGS. 3-7, in some implementations the wake surfingplatform 120 includes a water contacting surface 122 on an underside ofthe wake surfing platform 120. The water contacting surface 122 as awhole is generally non-planer (e.g., curved or otherwise varying betweensides of the water contacting surface). The non-planar shape of thewater contacting surface 122 changes the shape of the boat wake (e.g.,the wake that the boat 100 would create without the wake surfingplatform 120) so that the wake is well-suited for wake surfing (e.g.,larger, steeper, taller, and/or smoother, and the like).

In the depicted implementation, the boat 100 includes a jet boatpropulsion system 170 (e.g., refer to FIG. 4). In some implementations,the wake surfing platform 120 is well-suited for use with the jet boatpropulsion system 170 (e.g., to shape the rooster tail from the jet boatpropulsion system 170). Additionally, the wake surfing platform 120 canbe used in conjunction with boats that have other types of propulsionsystems. For example, the wake surfing platform 120 can be used withsterndrive boats, boats with one or more inboard motors, and boatsequipped with one or more outboard motors.

In some implementations, the wake surfing platform 120 also includes atop deck portion 126, a boat engaging side 128, and an aft side 129. Thetop deck portion 126 defines an upper surface that is configured tosupport a human in some implementations. Hence, the total deck space ofthe boat 100 may be increased by the wake surfing platform 120.

The boat engaging side 128 interfaces the wake surfing platform 120 withthe aft portion 110 of the boat 100. In some implementations, the wakesurfing platform 120 is bolted onto the aft portion 110 of the boat 100.That is, in some implementations the boat engaging side 128 isconfigured for affixing (e.g., bolting, clamping, etc.) the wake surfingplatform 120 to a previously existing boat 100. In some implementations,the wake surfing platform 120 is integrally formed with the aft portion110 of the boat 100 as part of the manufacturing process of the boat100.

The aft side 129 of the wake surfing platform 120 is opposite of theboat engaging side 128. In some implementations, an axis 121 (refer toFIG. 5) bisects the wake surfing platform 120 along a direction betweenthe boat engaging side 128 and the aft side 129.

In some implementations, the water contacting surface 122 includes astarboard-side wake-shaping surface 123 s and a port-side wake-shapingsurface 123 p. The starboard-side wake-shaping surface 123 s and theport-side wake-shaping surface 123 p are configured to contact and shapethe wake of the boat 100 so that the wake is well-suited for wakesurfing. In some implementations, the starboard-side wake-shapingsurface 123 s and the port-side wake-shaping surface 123 p are generallysymmetric in relation to each other about the axis 121. In someimplementations, the starboard-side wake-shaping surface 123 s and theport-side wake-shaping surface 123 p are asymmetric in relation to eachother about the axis 121. In some implementations, the axis 121 need notbisect the wake surfing platform (e.g., depending on the desired wakeshape, physical characteristics of the hull of the boat, or otherfactors (e.g., weight distribution of the boat or a wake shape createdby the boat itself).

As shown in FIG. 4, in some implementations at least a portion of thewater contacting surface 122 slopes downward in a direction from theboat engaging side 128 to the aft side 129 (i.e., in the direction ofthe axis 121). For example, in the depicted implementation at leastportions of each of the starboard-side wake-shaping surface 123 s andthe port-side wake-shaping surface 123 p slope downward in a directionfrom the boat engaging side 128 to the aft side 129. As describedfurther below, in some implementations the rate of the slope differs atvarious positions along the axis 121 (and/or along paths that areparallel to the axis 121). For example, in some implementations the rateof slope increases in a direction from the boat engaging side 128 to theaft side 129. That is, in some implementations the aft portions of thewater contacting surface 122 are more greatly sloped than the foreportions. In some implementations, the rate of the slope is generallyconstant along the axis 121 (and/or along paths that are parallel to theaxis 121).

As seen in FIGS. 3, 6, and 7, in some implementations at least a portionof the water contacting surface 122 is concaved between the starboardside and the port side of the wake surfing platform 120. For example, inthe depicted implementation at least portions of the starboard-sidewake-shaping surface 123 s and the port-side wake-shaping surface 123 pcollectively define the concave shape. As described further below, insome implementations the shape and/or degree of the concavity differs atvarious positions along the axis 121. In some implementations, the shapeof the concavity is generally constant along the axis 121.

Referring to FIGS. 8-13, by viewing the wake surfing platform 120 as aseries of cross-sectional views (transverse to the axis 121), the shapeof the example water contacting surface 122 can be further understood.As indicated in FIG. 8, FIG. 9 is the aft-most cross-sectional view ofthe series, and FIG. 13 is the fore-most cross-sectional view of theseries. FIGS. 10-12 are cross-sectional views taken sequentially betweenthe locations of FIGS. 9 and 13.

It should be understood that the shape of the water contacting surface122 as depicted in FIGS. 9-13 is merely one example of many differentshapes that the water contacting surface 122 may have. That is, thisdescription is not limiting in terms of the shape of the watercontacting surface 122, and other shapes are within the scope of thisdisclosure.

In some implementations, the shape of the water contacting surface 122can be selectively adjustable. For example, in some implementations oneor more portions of the water contacting surface 122 can behydraulically or electrically adjustable (e.g., pivoted to change theslope/trim, lowered or raised, etc.). Additionally, in someimplementations one or more portions of the water contacting surface 122can be manually adjusted and locked in place (e.g., by shimming,adjusting clamp mechanisms, and the like). Hence, in someimplementations the shape of the water contacting surface 122 can beselectively adjusted or manipulated to attain a desired wake shape.

In the depicted implementation, the water contacting surface 122 isgenerally a non-planar contoured surface. In some implementations, thewater contacting surface 122 is made up of one or more generally planarsurfaces. In some implementations, the water contacting surface 122 ismade up of a combination of one or more generally non-planar contouredsurfaces and one or more generally planar surfaces.

The vertical distances from the top of the wake surfing platform 120 tothe highest elevation of the water contacting surface 122 at thecross-sections of FIGS. 9-13 are identified as V₁, V₂, V₃, V₄, and V₅respectively. By comparing V₁, V₂, V₃, V₄, and V₅ to each other, a slopeof the water contacting surface 122 can be characterized. For example,in the depicted embodiment of the water contacting surface 122,V₁≧V₂≧V₃≧V₄≧V₅. Stated differently, at least a portion of the watercontacting surface 122 slopes downward in a direction from fore to aftof the wake surfing platform 120 (i.e., referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, in adirection from the boat engaging side 128 to the aft side 129). In someimplementations, generally all portions of the water contacting surface122 slope downward in a direction from fore to aft of the wake surfingplatform 120 (along paths parallel to axis 121). In someimplementations, some portions of the water contacting surface 122 slopedownward in a direction from fore to aft of the wake surfing platform120 while other portions are level or slope upward in a direction fromfore to aft of the wake surfing platform 120. For example, in someimplementations the aft portions of the water contacting surface 122 aremore greatly sloped than the fore portions which may be level or slopupward in some implementations.

It is apparent from FIGS. 9-13 that the example water contacting surface122 is generally concaved. In some implementations, substantially allcross-sectional portions of the water contacting surface 122 aregenerally concaved. In some implementations, some portions of the watercontacting surface 122 are concaved, while other portions are notconcaved.

The vertical distances from the highest elevation of the watercontacting surface 122 to the lowest elevation of the water contactingsurface 122 at the cross-sections of FIGS. 9-13 are identified as C₁,C₂, C₃, C₄, and C₅ respectively. By comparing C₁, C₂, C₃, C₄, and C₅ toeach other, a degree of the concavity of the water contacting surface122 can be characterized. For example, in the depicted embodiment of thewater contacting surface 122, C₁≧C₂≧C₃≧C₄≧C₅. Stated differently, thedegree of the concavity of the water contacting surface 122 generallyincreases in a direction from fore to aft of the wake surfing platform120. In some implementations, some portions of the water contactingsurface 122 increase in the degree of concavity in a direction from foreto aft of the wake surfing platform 120, while other portions areconstant or decrease in the degree of concavity in a direction from foreto aft of the wake surfing platform 120.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details,these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of anyinvention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions offeatures that may be specific to particular embodiments of particularinventions. Certain features that are described in this specification inthe context of separate embodiments can also be implemented incombination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features thatare described in the context of a single embodiment can also beimplemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitablesubcombination. Moreover, although features may be described herein asacting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, oneor more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excisedfrom the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to asubcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings in a particularorder, this should not be understood as requiring that such operationsbe performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, orthat all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processingmay be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system modulesand components in the embodiments described herein should not beunderstood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and itshould be understood that the described program components and systemscan generally be integrated together in a single product or packagedinto multiple products.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Otherembodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example,the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different orderand still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processesdepicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require theparticular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirableresults. In certain implementations, multitasking and parallelprocessing may be advantageous.

What is claimed is:
 1. A boat platform, comprising: a water contactingsurface having a concave shape between a port side and a starboard sideof the boat platform; and a boat engaging side that is configured forconnection to an aft portion of a boat.
 2. The boat platform of claim 1,wherein the water contacting surface comprises a starboard-sidewake-shaping surface and a port-side wake-shaping surface, and whereinthe starboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-side wake-shapingsurface collectively define the concave shape.
 3. The boat platform ofclaim 2, wherein the starboard-side wake-shaping surface and theport-side wake-shaping surface are generally symmetric in relation toeach other about a vertical plane that bisects the boat platform.
 4. Theboat platform of claim 2, wherein the starboard-side wake-shapingsurface and the port-side wake-shaping surface each comprise generallyplanar surfaces.
 5. The boat platform of claim 2, wherein thestarboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-side wake-shapingsurface each comprise generally non-planar contoured surfaces.
 6. Theboat platform of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the watercontacting surface slopes downward in a direction from the boat engagingside to an opposite side of the boat platform.
 7. The boat platform ofclaim 6, wherein the water contacting surface comprises a starboard-sidewake-shaping surface and a port-side wake-shaping surface, and whereineach of the starboard-side wake-shaping surface and the port-sidewake-shaping surface define the downward slope of the water contactingsurface.
 8. The boat platform of claim 6, wherein a profile of theconcave shape or a rate of the downward slope of at least a portion ofthe water contacting surface is selectively adjustable.
 9. The boatplatform of claim 1, wherein the boat platform is configured to bebolted onto the aft portion of a boat or integrated into a hull and deckof the boat.
 10. The boat platform of claim 1, wherein the boat platformis configured to be molded onto the aft portion of a boat.
 11. A boatadapted to facilitate wakesurfing behind the boat, the boat comprising:a hull; and a boat platform extending from an aft portion of the hull,the boat platform comprising a water contacting surface, wherein atleast a portion the water contacting surface has a concave shape betweena port side and a starboard side of the boat platform.
 12. The boat ofclaim 11, wherein the boat platform is integrally formed with the hull.13. The boat of claim 11, further comprising a deck attached to thehull, and wherein the boat platform is integrally formed with the deck.14. The boat of claim 11, further comprising a deck attached to thehull, wherein the boat platform was formed separately from the hull andthe deck and subsequently affixed to the aft portion of the boat. 15.The boat platform of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the watercontacting surface slopes downward in a direction from the aft portionof the hull to an opposite side of the boat platform.
 16. A method ofconstructing a wakesurfing boat platform configured for attachment to aboat, the method comprising: forming a water contacting surface having aconcave shape between a port side and a starboard side of the boatplatform; and forming a boat engaging side that is configured forattachment to an aft portion of the boat.
 17. The method of claim 16,wherein the water contacting surface slopes downward in a direction fromthe boat engaging side to an opposite side of the boat platform.
 18. Themethod of claim 16, further comprising forming a top deck portionconfigured for supporting a human.
 19. The method of claim 16, whereinthe boat platform is configured to be bolted onto an aft portion of theboat.
 20. The method of claim 16, wherein the boat platform comprisesfiberglass.